150 years ago, the very first vanilla plants were grown at Ahmelewedr by an English missionary. Today, vanilla is a leading-light produce on the biggest of the Loyalty Islands. Lifou vanilla is a must with fish, in custard or simply to add flavor to your sugar.

Loyalty Islands & Isle of Pines

Add a touch of perfection to your holiday in New Caledonia. The Isle of Pines and the Loyalty Islands represent the best of any trip to South Pacific, with immaculate white shores, crystalline waters and Kanak traditions.

Nouméa, the capital city of New Caledonia is on the ocean. Several bays extend along the city, providing magnificent beaches and points of view. Besides its natural features, Nouméa also has very attractive cultural offerings for tourists who choose to visit there.

From Ouvéa to the Isle of Pines, passing through Lifou, Tiga and Maré, the five islands bordering the Mainland, Grande Terre to the East are yet more gems to discover. From the blue hole of Hanawa at Ouvéa to the Warrior’s Leap at Wakone on Maré, via the Jokin Cliffs at Lifou or the Oro Bay on the Isle of Pines, let yourself be amazed!

The West Coast of the mainland (Grande Terre) shows off a great variety of scenery from its northern tip down to the area surrounding Nouméa. Characterised by both large spaces favouring cattle farming and a lagoon of stunning beauty, the West Coast is also host to a rich cultural heritage.

The central mountain range of the Mainland (Grande Terre) is a natural boundary, overlooking the very different faces of the East and West Coasts. Exposed to strong winds and therefore more humid, the eastern coast offers scenery with sumptuous flora. With a population of largely Melanesian origin, the East Coast has also retained a particularly charming flavour of authenticity.

The Great South, comprising the Mont-Dore and Yaté municipalities, is the most symbolic region for New Caledonia’s three main colours: blue, green and red. From the rainforest to the mining lands there are a thousand shades of green, while the ocean offers a dazzling palette of blues. But if one colour dominates the Great South, it is the specific red of its ground.

Religious faiths

New Caledonia, like France, protects the freedom of religion and belief and applies the same laws on the Separation of the Churches and State. There is therefore no official religion.

The essential

Christianity

Islam

Buddhism

Although, like most indigenous peoples, the cultural traditions of the Kanak people were inspired by animistic beliefs, Christianity is now their predominant faith.

The majority of New Caledonians are Catholics but both the Protestant and Pentecostal churches are well established locally.

Other minority religions are also represented. The Islamic faith, in particular, is espoused by members of the Indonesian community and by descendants of Algerians deported during the colonial era. The Muslim community is mainly based in the Bourail region, where travellers arriving from Noumea will find the historic Muslim cemetery and an Islamic Cultural and Prayer Centre.

Finally, Buddhism has been introduced by the Vietnamese community, mostly in Noumea.